Lebensohl

Lebensohl is used when partner opens 1N and RHO interferes (up to 2). This is a fairly complex convention for a situation which doesn't come up very often, so it is more appropriate for a regular partnership than for a pick-up partnership.

Levensohl can also be used in responding to partner's takeout double of an opening Weak Two. See Lebensohl Responses to Double of Weak-2.htm.

2N asks opener to bid 3 after which responder will clarify his hand.

Example after 1N - (2) - 2N - (P) - 3 - (P):

• Pass with <9 points and 6+ Clubs
• 3 with <9 points and 6+ Diamonds.
• 3 invites game with a good 5+ Spades,
  With a weaker hand, responder would have bid an immediate 2.
• 3 is Stayman with a stopper in RHO's suit and 4 Spades.
  With 4 Spades and a minimum, opener bids 3; otherwise, 4.
  Without 4 Spades, opener bids 3N.
  If RHO had bid 2, then after responder's cue bid,
  Opener bids his lowest 4-card major, or 3N if no 4-card major.
• 3N - to play; shows a stopper in RHO's suit.

Other bids after 1N - (RHO: any suit bid)

• Double - penalty.
• 2-any - to play; 5+ cards in the suit bid and a minimum.
• jump in any new suit - game force; 5+ cards in the suit bid.
• cue bid - Stayman; denies a stopper in RHO's suit.
• 3N - to play, but denies a stopper in RHO's suit.
  Opener should run to his cheapest suit without a stopper.

Over artificial bids

When only one suit is known:

Bid the above as if the known suit was overcalled.

When the artificial bid show the majors:

• Cue bid 2 to show a stopper in the suit bid and NT interest.
• Bid 2N followed by 3N to show stoppers in both suits.
• Bid 3N to deny stoppers in both suits.